:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/KarenRestaPhoto-3ad88b22f2d040398049f004108791d6.jpg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/AlyssaLanger_spruceeats-b6407a7dea544af4853ae46df3e846dd.jpg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Best-Chocolate-Syrups-5094783-6446b75644cc4b308b30ace4fa7d7234.jpg)
The Spruce Eats / Amelia Manley
Sometimes a good chocolate syrup or chocolate sauce can save the day, or at the very least, improve it immensely. The uses are endless: From a simple bowl of vanilla ice cream topped with a bittersweet chocolate variety to the after-school treat of freshly made chocolate milk with cookies to a decorative chocolate design as a garnish beneath a plated dessert, the only limit for chocolate syrups and sauces is your imagination.
While chocolate sauce can, of course, be made at home, it's also a time-consuming kitchen task. For those situations when you simply want to reach inside the refrigerator for a quick indulgence or you want to spend your time and energy baking a masterpiece that just needs an easy finish, store-bought options are the way to go.
Here are the best chocolate syrups and sauces for whatever sweet treats you're craving.
Best Overall
Ghirardelli Chocolate Premium Chocolate Sauce
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/GhirardelliChocolatePremiumChocolateSauce-ae71930301c3461cab57809e23de492c.jpg)
Amazon
What do buyers say? 92% of 850+ Amazon reviews rank this chocolate syrup 4 stars or above out of 5.
First started in 1852 by Domenico Ghirardelli, an immigrant from Rapallo, Italy, Ghirardelli Chocolate is the longest-operating chocolate company in the United States. So it's no surprise that Ghirardelli's Premium Chocolate Sauce has the same high-quality flavor profile as the brand's well-known chocolates, which offer a complex, rich, and intense fine chocolate taste. This is a chocolate sauce that works for everything: Drizzle onto ice cream, into milk, or on desserts.
Price at time of publish: $5
Size: 16 ounces | Serving Size: 2 tablespoons | Allergens: Milk, may contain soy
"Syrup has a very low percentage of oil content, like 2-5%. It's designed to be diluted [and] put into things like beverages where it can flavor them and sweeten them at the same time. As such, it also has the highest sweetness level among the three [syrup, sauce, melted chocolate]!" — Rhea Monique, CMO of ChocZero
Best Dark Chocolate
Torani Puremade Dark Chocolate Sauce
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/ToraniPuremadeDarkChocolateSauce-1042f9a5109d4c0dbccb3566eda0d789.jpg)
Amazon
Torani is most well-known for the products it creates for use in specialty coffee drinks, but the same deep knowledge of flavor is used in its Puremade sauces. This dark chocolate sauce is a standout: great texture and flavor, no GMOs or artificial flavors, and made with high-quality ingredients like Dutch cocoa, cold filtered water, and pure cane sugar. You can use this with all kinds of desserts or really wow as an at-home barista by adding it to everything from lattes to frappuccinos.
This is also a purchase you can feel good about. The company’s motto is “Flavor for all, Opportunity for all,” which is a promise to deliver top-notch quality with a strong commitment to people. In fact, Torani is a Certified B Corporation, a "new kind of business that balances purpose and profit."
Price at time of publish: $6
Size: 16.5 ounces | Serving Size: 2 tablespoons | Allergens: None
Best for Chocolate Milk
Hershey’s Chocolate Syrup
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/HersheysChocolateSyrup-aafab062d5b748e0b8bd5afc6490b127.jpg)
Amazon
Classic Hershey’s syrup is an iconic American treat and has been well-loved in home kitchens since it was first created in 1926. So the fact that this is our choice for the best chocolate syrup for making chocolate milk isn’t surprising, really. The recipe? Simply stir a tablespoon of the good stuff (or just add to taste) into an 8-ounce glass of cold milk. If what you want is that classic chocolate taste, this is your go-to syrup.
The Hershey’s Company itself is also well-loved, starting small in 1894 in rural Pennsylvania with the intention of making delicious chocolates affordable for the everyday person, and going on to build a model town for its employees, followed by an amusement park, a school for orphans, and more.
Price at time of publish: $3
Size: 24 ounces | Serving Size: 1 tablespoon | Allergens: None
"Sauce has 10-30% oil content while also having almost the same amount of water. It's a milder sweet, it's designed very much for purely topping things. For example, a delicious ice cream sundae! It should still mostly combine with water so it can be used with hot beverages for some flavor, but the higher the oil it has, the harder it has to work to mix in." — Rhea Monique, CMO of ChocZero
Best Organic
Wildly Organic Chocolate Syrup
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/WildlyOrganicChocolateSyrup-69ffe408b4db496ca9a5bbfc5562b35b.jpg)
Amazon
With a commitment to using "ingredients that support your lifestyle from the inside out," Wildly Organic Chocolate Syrup is both all-natural and delicious. In fact, it's made with just two ingredients: raw cocoa powder and raw agave nectar. In addition to being an organic syrup with a deep chocolate flavor, you can rest assured that it's Fair Trade International certified, vegan, raw, gluten-free, and packaged in a BPA-free container.
There’s a lot of flexibility with this syrup. Use it in the typical recipes that call for chocolate syrup all while knowing you’re supporting sustainability and fair trade. It doesn't need to be refrigerated, either. Simply pop it into the microwave to warm it a bit for the best drizzling results.
Price at time of publish: $10
Size: 20 ounces | Serving Size: 2 tablespoons | Allergens: Processed in a facility that also processes tree nuts
While chocolate syrup and chocolate sauce are often used interchangeably, syrups tend to be thinner than sauces. Store-bought syrups often contain high fructose corn syrup in the ingredient list as well, so if this is something you're looking to avoid, be sure to check the label.
Best Mocha
COOP's MicroCreamery Cold Brew Mocha Sauce
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/COOPsMicroCreameryColdBrewMochaSauce-6bec5d24791e4e6090d7699c807fbddf.jpg)
Amazon
Award-winning Coop’s MicroCreamery is all about handmade, artisanal, small-batch dessert sauces that are made with the best ingredients. The Cold Brew Mocha Sauce perfectly combines the rich flavors of cold brew coffee and chocolate for a well-balanced sauce that goes great with desserts or blended drinks. Actually, this mocha sauce could be eaten out of the jar with a spoon, but try to hold off and use it in your favorite recipes!
Its quality comes from the ingredients: cane sugar, fresh cream, butter (cream, salt), brown cane sugar, cold brew Arabica coffee, pure unsweetened chocolate, and natural cocoa powder. The chic packaging also makes this a great gift for the chocolate lovers in your life.
Price at time of publish: $13
Size: 10.6 ounces | Serving Size: 2 tablespoons | Allergens: contains milk
Best Bittersweet
Stonewall Kitchen Bittersweet Chocolate Sauce
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/StonewallKitchenBittersweetChocolateSauce-058c2fe692d44c07867f18ecaf10235b.jpeg)
Stonewall Kitchen
Bittersweet chocolate is a very individual flavor (as the name suggests, it's more bitter and less sweet than other chocolate), and for those who love it, this sauce is perfection! This bittersweet chocolate sauce holds the taste of home. Award-winning specialty food creator Stonewall Kitchen was started in a New Hampshire home kitchen by Jim Stott and Jonathan King, who took their wares to local farmers' markets before they expanded into a brand with a focus on quality gourmet food items. The beloved brand sells other chocolate sauces but says this one is the best seller. Drizzle a bit into your coffee for a morning treat or top off your bowl of ice cream with a little decadence.
Price at time of publish: $9
Size: 12.5 ounces | Serving Size: 2 tablespoons | Allergens: Milk, soy
Best Milk Chocolate
Amoretti Premium Syrup Milk Chocolate
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/61nnU-fdK6L._SL1400_-f9f712dbfab2432d8ab50a2875e771e4.jpg)
Amazon
If you’re partial to the sweetness and creaminess of milk chocolate, we get it. The bitterness of dark or bittersweet chocolate isn’t for everyone. If you fall into this category, look no further than Amoretti’s syrup, which is specifically a milk chocolate variety. For your convenience, it even comes with a pump, making it super simple to add this syrup into your coffee (why not make it a mocha?), a milkshake, ice cream topping, or anything else your heart (and appetite) desires.
With 35 calories per serving (1 pump) and 94 servings per container, one bottle should last a while and provide thick, rich, and well-concentrated syrup for all your dessert/drink needs. This syrup contains no artificial flavors or colors, no artificial sweeteners, no trans-fats, and no high fructose corn syrup.
Price at time of publish: $20
Size: 25.4 ounces | Serving Size: 1 pump | Allergens: Packaged on equipment that packages products containing milk, peanuts, tree nuts, soy, egg
Best Dairy-Free
Walden Farms Chocolate Syrup
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/61Pb9IzEcYL._SL1500_-d20317dbee1e4281a752548effa58163.jpg)
Amazon
Chocolate syrup with no sugar AND no dairy? If you think that sounds impossible, you’ll be amazed by Walden Farms’ Chocolate syrup, which is the perfect option to have in your pantry if you or anyone in your family is following a vegan, keto, gluten-free, or paleo diet, or if anyone is generally watching their calorie/sugar/dairy intakes. This syrup doesn’t sacrifice flavor though, whether you’re adding it to pancakes, waffles, French toast, ice cream (non-dairy perhaps?), or any other treat. The well-thought-out bottle design has a wide mouth for easy pouring and less mess, particularly convenient for those with kids.
Price at time of publish: $4
Size: 12 ounces | Serving Size: 2 tablespoons | Allergens: None
Best Sugar-Free
Enlightened Sugar-Free Chocolate Syrup
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/51tqBsHUxbL._SL1000_-bc31166e538c4fb19eb291f94c590dcc.jpg)
Amazon
If you’re watching your sugar intake, the Enlightened chocolate syrup is a good pick for you. With only 20 calories, 1 gram of net carbs, and 0 grams of fat, this syrup has all the flavor and richness you’d expect of a chocolate syrup, with none of the sugar. How do they do it? This syrup is sweetened with erythritol and monk fruit extract, and has no funky aftertaste like some sugar-free products. It’s also vegan, gluten-free, GMO-free, Kosher, sugar-free, and keto-friendly, further broadening its appeal.
"Delicious as a sundae topping, over fruit, or blended into your favorite milkshake or coffee drink…the ways to enjoy are endless," the brand’s website says about this choice, and we agree.
Price at time of publish: $7
Size: 15 ounces | Serving Size: 1 tablespoon | Allergens: None
Best White Chocolate
Torani Puremade White Chocolate Sauce
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/large_d594c359-0051-4211-b669-fa245edeebc9-d1049a3f099942c4b84b009438c28e2a.jpeg)
Instacart
When most people think of chocolate sauce, they think of milk or dark chocolate, but white chocolate sauce is an inspired idea that really shakes things up a bit. Torani's version is our top choice. Like its dark chocolate version, this white chocolate sauce is made with premium ingredients (like real cream) and contains no artificial ingredients or GMOs. You can use it by itself or blend it with dark or bittersweet chocolate sauce to add extra layers of flavor and texture to all your sweet beverages and desserts.
Price at time of publish: $5
Key specs: Size: 16.5 ounces | Serving Size: 2 tablespoons | Allergens: N/A
If you want a classic, high-quality chocolate sauce that's versatile enough to complete all your sweet concoctions, you can't go wrong with Ghirardelli's Chocolate Premium Chocolate Sauce. For chocolate lovers who are limiting their sugar intake, the Enlightened Sugar-Free Chocolate Syrup is a great low-sugar choice.
What to Look for When Buying Chocolate Syrup
Taste
Taste is the ultimate important test. You want the creamy, silky, sweet—or bittersweet—taste of chocolate that you're craving. If the syrup doesn't taste as you expect it to and give you those wonderfully decadent bursts of flavor in your mouth, it won't satisfy your desire for chocolate. Be on the lookout for artificial flavors or other ingredients that could introduce off aftertastes.
Also, keep in mind that chocolate syrup is not usually consumed on its own (if you do, no judgment here!), but rather mixed into other foods or topping other foods–so before you purchase your syrup, consider how you’ll most often be using it, and then what makes the most culinary sense in terms of pairing it.
Are you usually mixing your syrup into milk to make chocolate milk? In that case, you can go for a stronger or more bitter flavored syrup, as it will be diluted by plenty of creamy milk. Or do you often top mixed berries with chocolate syrup? Maybe then a white or milk chocolate would be preferable. It’s ultimately up to you and your personal preference.
Ingredients
There are many different chocolate syrups available on the market today. Some are all-natural and/or organic, while others aren't. Check the labels for those ingredients you can't pronounce or that you may recognize as being artificial preservatives and sweeteners (as a general rule of thumb, the shorter the ingredient list, the better–usually!).
When it comes to the sugar-free options, note that "the main difference between sugar free chocolate syrup and traditional chocolate syrup is the sweetener. It's not always just sugar, either: a lot of chocolate syrups use corn syrup to create the texture in addition to sugar. This specific texture often has sugar free brands using sugar alcohols along with a gum like xanthan gum to create the body. However, another route…[is to] use soluble prebiotic fiber to create the body along with monk fruit instead of sugar alcohols and gums," says Rhea Monique, CMO of ChocZero,
Ease of Use
Chocolate syrups can usually be found in squeeze bottles or jars that you can dip a spoon into to get the sauce out of; some products may contain a pump, as well. Depending on your culinary preferences and how you most often use chocolate syrup, it may help to take this into account.
If you have kids, a squeeze bottle or pump may be simpler (and less mess-prone) than a jar. If you are a frequent chocolate syrup user (ie every day is mocha day), a pump option may make your morning routine just that much smoother.
Make sure to check the label for refrigeration or storage information and instructions. Some may require refrigeration, and you want to ensure that you’re storing your products at a food-safe temperature for longevity and optimal freshness. After removing it from the refrigerator, you can serve it cold, at room temperature, or heat it up as you would a hot fudge.
FAQs
Does chocolate syrup need to be refrigerated?
"Chocolate syrup doesn't need to be refrigerated immediately—it's not like mayonnaise or something where if you leave it out, it's instantly bad in a few hours," Monique says. "However, since it does have water in it, you'll want to refrigerate it to extend your shelf life significantly. That said, leaving it out a few days certainly won't be cause for a problem."
A good general rule of thumb is to carefully check the packaging labels of your products; there should be storage information listed on there, and your best bet is to follow the manufacturer’s instructions. They’ve likely done plenty of shelf life testing and know how to best handle their product for optimal freshness, longevity, and safety. And remember that different products will behave differently depending on their ingredients, so just because one syrup you had perhaps didn’t require refrigeration, that doesn’t necessarily apply to the next syrup you buy from a different brand.
How long does chocolate syrup last once opened?
"In an ideally stored pantry, which would be low humidity and an average temperature of 60-72 [degrees], it would last for over six months without any problems, and depending on the brand, it may last a whole year," Monique says.
If your home is in a more humid area it should be stored in the fridge, though, for no more than four months. If you’re a regular chocolate syrup consumer "using [syrup] by your coffee bar for some great chocolate mochas, and you're using it up within 30-60 days, you should never have an issue with it unless you live in a tropical climate," she says.
What else can chocolate syrup or sauce be used for?
Chocolate syrup is such a versatile ingredient, making it the perfect item to always have on hand in your refrigerator or pantry. It can be used in so many ways, from chocolate milk, to an ice cream/brownies/cookie/fruit topping, milkshakes, as a dip for pretzels, fruit, or poundcake (think fondue). It’s even delicious for breakfast as a syrup for pancakes or waffles.
You can also get creative with the different types of chocolate syrup and explore which varieties work best (and to your taste buds’ preferences) in different applications; for example, white chocolate syrup may be a great pairing for a peppermint mocha come holiday season, while bittersweet syrup may be perfect for that ice cream sundae party.
How We Researched
To compile this list, our team of editors and contributors spent hours researching the best chocolate syrups on the market, evaluating their key features—like ingredients, flavor, and price—in addition to reviews from customers and other trusted sources. We then used this research to assign a star rating from one to five (five being the best; one being the worst) to certain products on the list.
Why Trust The Spruce Eats?
Karen Resta is a freelance writer and former pastry chef who covers food and drinks for The Spruce Eats. She specializes in food culture and history, cooking, pastries, and restaurants. She's traveled to Budapest, Kyiv, and Paris during their Fashion Weeks as a photographer and writer, always finding the best authentic pastries along the way. She now spends a lot of her free time baking at home and recommends quality within your given budget.
The Spruce Eats writer Alyssa Langer is a registered dietitian and foodie, always curious about the next food or ingredient craze and hungry to learn and try more. Having worked in cookbook publishing, CPG label data, nutrition writing, and meal kits, her diverse background and varied interests provide a unique perspective that fosters clear, well-researched, and trustworthy reviews.
Amanda McDonald is an editor at The Spruce Eats and has over seven years of experience researching, writing, and editing about all things food — from what new products are at the grocery store to chef-approved hacks that keep tricky leftovers fresh for days. She updated this article to include the most up-to-date information.
Sources
- Rhea Monique, CMO of ChocZero
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/IMG_2942-cdc0a55bb2984baa8d6ba11e8296b7f1.jpg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/AmandaMcDonaldHeadshot-9ec93353b2fe473b83c8fbb581929bac.jpg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/best-chocolate-bars-4801005-921f315cab5c4d44ab1409045da46ec0.jpg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/best-flavored-syrups-for-beverages-760334-2cb40882d9a247388d26e40afbad2a95.jpg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/SPR-EATS-8-best-hot-chocolate-mix-4800985-ad24e5d8d590473b8fed275b0ba2ced7.jpg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/best-brownie-mixes-4589592-79485a3f957f4f63b9e9813f936c1892.jpg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/SPR-EATS-best-chocolate-cake-mixes-5088537-1d03156abfa940e1a9d9624d6ccc5d63.jpg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/SPR-EATS-best-apple-cider-vinegars-5086603-941822087fc244caaab7d403a9e720ab.jpg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/best-oat-milks-5080416-008c96a610634bb591a2c4d67bb82e41.jpg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/best-red-wine-vinegar-5086948-aefed086c1e540b5aaab85742f5e4e28.jpg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Best-Keto-Ice-Creams-5113134-892ea18f42664b67b30f115c12f3713d.jpg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Best-Drinking-Chocolates-4164892-4bd3af9ac1cd400a9426b5324703974c.jpg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/best-peanut-oils-5088454-662909f77dbe4b56a4cb8cb13a6975e9.jpg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Best-Canned-Chilis-5096878-d52763cc2deb45dc8539a1b8c13b4978.jpg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Spruce-Eats-canning-supplies-1389150-3f84b86d4e364dd2ac0b04512b287b5d.jpg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/best-dark-chocolate-bars-4844163-3de87eb5b89845b6ab6bf3468ac10331.jpg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/best-almond-butters-5094478-8966c1e3968e4c69816154205b18e41a.jpg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/best-cold-brew-coffees-5075439-b887bdcbd45641eb979b9ca300d7ffe8.jpg)